The Wesley Foundation is at a turning point and we are doing a new thing – with God’s help and yours!

2021 Campaign Update:

When we began fundraising six years ago, we were the first campus ministry in Virginia to commit to an undertaking like this.  To date, we have raised over 1 million dollars and have completed 2 phases of renovation debt-free.

This year, as the pandemic continues and we wanted the option to meet regularly outdoors, we bumped up one of our campaign projects, a new terrace on the front of our building adjoining our dining room.  With new, accessible entry and exits, landscaping, benches, lighting, and a bike rack, the Wesley campus has an updated, welcoming face to the community.  Students have gathered every week for Dinner & Worship and other activities in this flexible space and this project has also been accomplished debt-free.

Though needs evolve and change, the need for students to gather in a safe and welcoming space to grow deeper in their faith never changes.  Thank you to those who have pledged and donated to our ongoing campaign!  We have a few more projects to complete and we continue to fundraise for our Building a Foundation for the Future Capital Campaign.  

Read below for the initial campaign announcement and scroll down for pledge and donation links.  Thank you.

Background on our campaign:

In 2015, we celebrated 50 years in our current building and it shows. Almost everything in our structure is original to the building and in need of repair or replacement – boiler, lighting, non-efficient windows and doors, flooring, and lack of air conditioning. At the same time, students use our space more than ever before. Every room is in use multiple times a week, and students are on site from the time we open up in the morning until lock-up at midnight. While some churches are wondering if they need to own buildings, it’s obvious to us that the building itself is central to the ministry we offer. It’s that crucial “third place” for students, offering something between dorm/roommates and classroom/libraries. The students we see each week deserve an inspiring environment where they can study, share meals, worship, engage together in small groups, confront the faith and justice issues of our time, and organize to reach out to the broader community in love.

Our goal is to raise $1.5 million and we are over halfway there!

Our campaign is focused on creating a safe, program-friendly, and attractive environment for our students. Plans include a complete renovation of the Cottage and the main building, hazardous materials abatement, brand new living space for an additional three residents, a new outdoor terrace facing Alumni Hall, additional bathrooms in both buildings, accessibility improvements, and a remodeled entry/lobby and office area in the center of the building. The new space will be more attractive and will serve more students. The addition of residential space will provide increased revenue, enabling us to be proactive about funding and sustaining our ministry as we move forward. We are committed to completing this project without debt.

The participation of alumni like Caroline and Brian Lee (2004) has kept us going strong. When making their pledge, Brian, who was baptized at Wesley, said, “The Wesley Foundation changed my life.” Even alumni from as far away as Singapore have responded to the call. Abel Yang (2013), also baptized at Wesley, said, “I realize now it’s not just a building project. It’s also a mission opportunity to reach out. This campaign is a first step in moving into a new era of campus ministry at Wesley.”

Though much has changed in the past 50 years, what Wesley offers students at a critical time in their lives and faith development has only grown stronger and more meaningful. We trust God’s story and this call to something new at Wesley.   We know God still shows up in the lives of college students and in the life of this ministry. We are inspired by what’s happened so far as we’ve answered this strange call and we hope you are – and that you’ll join us.

Will you help us provide a stronger, brighter Wesley Foundation for students, now and in the future?

Before you answer, please take a few minutes to watch our video at and listen to the students themselves sharing how this place and community have changed them and why we need your help now.

God’s story is alive and continuing to unfold here at Wesley. Join us in the next part of the story by making your pledge today.

How to make your gift or pledge:

• • If you’d like to send a gift now, make your check to “Wesley Foundation at UVA” and note that it’s for the “capital campaign.” Gifts may be mailed to:

The Wesley Foundation at UVA
1908 Lewis Mountain Road
Charlottesville, VA 22903

• To make your gift or pledge online, click here to give through The UVA Fund or Network for Good.  Please note it’s for the capital fund.
• We have several naming opportunities available. Contact Devon Maust Earle at devon@wesleyatuva.org or (434) 977-6500 for more details.